Barack Obama College Preparatory High School is scheduled to open its doors for the 2017-2018 school year. The competitive selection institution will enroll 1,200 students the first year. Sources say nearly 16,500 students applied for 3,200 seats this school year.

“For the first time in the city of Chicago, I get to say that (U.S. Education) Secretary (William) Bennett, who in 1987 said the city of Chicago is the worst public school system in America, you’re wrong. Dead wrong,” Emanuel says.